Exxon activities spark dispute between Venezuela and Guyana

After several weeks of reaching no agreements, the former British colony decided to resort to the United Nations.

In the last days, the tension between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela has gone on the rise over a territorial claim that both nations have held for decades over the Esequibo region, rich in hydrocarbon and natural resources.

The conflict started after the United States company Exxon Mobil, with the sponsoring of Guyana, announced last May 20 the discovery of an important oil reserve some 190 kilometers from the coast of the disputed area, and its intention to exploit it during the next 10 years.

The conflict started after the United States company Exxon Mobil, with the sponsoring of Guyana, announced last May 20 the discovery of an important oil reserve some 190 kilometers from the coast of the disputed area, and its intention to exploit it during the next 10 years.

In reply to what it considered an incursion on the resources of a territory claimed by both nations — something forbidden by the Geneve Accord of 1966 —, the Venezuelan government — which had written in two occasions to the oil company demanding the ceasing of its operations — issued a decree last May 27 by which it extended its "daily maritime supervision and security tasks" to include the area undergoing explorations. Guyana alleged the measure was illegal and summoned the Venezuelan ambassador in the country for clarifications.

President Nicolas Maduro then accused Exxon as "responsible due to its influence and power, of all the provocations started against Venezuela" and asked the neighboring state to "canalize border disputes" observing "respect toward international agreements and the cooperation relations and international rights".

Finally, the Guyanese government — since a few days ago headed by a coallition of parties which used to be the opposition for over 20 years — announced that it communicated with the general secretary of the United Nations (UN) Ban-Ki Moon, for him to act as mediator in the quest for a peaceful solution. It is expected for the international body to express its opinion during the next coming weeks.

The Manquehue Institute for Strategic Studies is a civic organization that pursues both the development of strategic views on main topics related to Latin American countries aimed at the local people, and projecting a faithful image of this region to the world.